Free Wifi???

I’d advise making sure tethering doesn’t violate your cell carrier’s TOS (some disallow tethering, I hear), and watch those data caps!

With regard to schools, universities especially may offer free wifi. Of course, as a visitor or extension student you probably won’t be able to access the secure network used by students, faculty, and staff. But there’s often a guest network available, excluding any secure University data or resources, but allowing you to get online.

I was on a charter bus this week in NYC/NJ area; the entire fleet has it.

In my city, the courthouse has WiFi available in the juror waiting area.

I had to check the date on the OP; I thought it was from the turn of the century.

In my experience, free Wi-Fi is all over the place.
mmm

During my average day, going to university, The only places that don’t have wifi is the train station and the shuttle bus.

The shops, The trains and my university all have free wifi.

Panera limits you to a half-hour around lunch time; at least it did last time I tried several months ago. :mad:

I called and it is totally legal with my provider - and regarding data caps, well - I have an unlimited plan and don’t do any heavy duty downloads (no films/streaming/gaming) so I doubt that will ever be a problem. And yeah, I know “unlimited” is not the same as speedy, fast, eternal service. They will slow you down if you start going nuts with data.

I might add that using your cell phone to tether to a laptop/Wifi device is certainly not the best of long-term solutions, but it works quite nicely in a pinch.

using a free wifi hotspot, even those without a password encryption, is illegal…unless you go in and buy a cup of coffee ( or equiv product / service)

a guy in Michigan was arrested while snagging the wifi from a coffee shop, that broadcasts free wifi without a password…which is a felony…the police walked up to him as he surfed in his car in the parking lot near the coffee shop

he faced a $10,000 fine and 5 years in jail; he opted to plead guilty and pay $400 and to do 40 hours of community service

I would hate to see the day when the only way to get over-the-air Internet is to have a smartphone or to buy a 3G/4G plan for another device…

I’m kind of glad I bought something from the drive through before using the Starbucks wifi in their parking lot now.. Officer sir, here’s my caffe mocha and reciept.

They have free water fountains and restrooms too, but only if you’re in the building.